Alaska 529, Alaska Boating Safety Program, Partner to Provide Personal Floatation Devices to Alaska Youth and Launch “Use Your PFD Wisely” Campaign
May 24, 2021 -- Alaska 529 and the Alaska Boating Safety Program have announced that they will be working together to help keep Alaska youth safe, when on or near Alaska’s ocean and waterways.
Alaska 529 is stepping up to sponsor more than 6,200 new personal floatation devices (PFDs) at the 680 loaner stations in Alaska.
Olivia Drown, Kids Don’t Float Instructor, said, “The Kids Don’t Float Loaner Board Program was developed to help address Alaska’s high incidence of childhood drowning. Personal floatation devices have historically been thought of as a substitute for swimming ability, but with an increased understanding of the dangerous effects of cold water immersion, many Alaska boaters are now realizing the importance of always wearing a life jacket when in an open boat or on deck, even for good swimmers. The loaner boards display PFDs that can be borrowed at no cost. In a collaboration between multiple state and federal agencies, as well as local grassroots sponsors, the program now has hundreds of loaner boards across the state. The program is known to have saved at least 36 lives so far.”
Lael Oldmixon, Alaska 529’s Executive Director, says she’s excited about the partnership. “The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is an important source of funds for those saving in Alaska 529. Each year we tell people to use their PFD wisely. Well, the exact same message can apply to Personal Floatation Devices, Alaskans should always use them wisely when around water! We’re delighted to bring two important PFD programs to Alaska youth.” The new PFDs and loaner board sign will both display the “Use your PFD wisely” message.
As part of the agreement, Alaska Boating Safety will begin updating the signage at its loaner boards stations. The refreshed signs will retain many of the familiar elements of the signs but will include Alaska 529’s message and logo.
For more information visit Alaska529plan.com or Alaskaboatingsafety.org.